Blog Chain

I’m honored that Donna Volkenannt  has invited me to be part of a blog chain to discuss my writing process. 

Donna Volkenannt was the first-place winner of the 2012 Erma Bombeck Global Humor Writing Award, and a top-ten finalist in the 2014 Erma Bombeck Global Human Interest award category. I’ve known her for several years, and not only is she a great writer, but a wonderful person who is a caring and supportive friend. She blogs at Donna’s Book Pub.com.

Here are my answers to Donna’s questions:

1. What am I working on?

Several articles that are in various stages of completion, including one on Jory Sherman and his role in the Beat Writers. I’m also putting together a talk for the Columbia Chapter of the Missouri Writer’s Guild Conference this fall on getting your message across effectively in non-fiction. I’m always searching for blog content, and grading papers or speeches for my communications classes at St. Charles and St. Louis Community Colleges.

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I try to bring a fresh perspective to my nonfiction by keeping the writing simple, clear and with a humorous slant, if possible. 

3. Why do I write what I do?

Everything I write is because I have a passion for it. I’ve written a couple of novels that still need editing, but everything comes from the need to answer a question, regardless of genre.

4. How does your writing process work?

I don’t have a particular process. I write when I can, and edit while I’m writing, and then again when I’m finished. I’m a night owl, but have recently been writing (a little) in the morning. And, I’ve been composing some sentences, thoughts and ideas on my iPhone. It’s always with me, like a notebook, so it’s a convenient way to record those short bursts of creativity that happen at the most unlikely times. 

5. The last step in this process is to invite two other authors to participate in the blog chain.

I hope that my writing friends and blogging buddies, Sheree Nielsen and Pat Wahler, will continue this blog chain. 

Sheree Nielsen is the author of Folly Beach Dances, a soon-to-be-published coffee table book that features the photography of Sheree and her husband, Russell, along with the poetry of many women writers (full disclosure) including me.

Pat Wahler is a grant writer by day and writer of essays and fiction by night. She is published in dozens of national and local venues and is a member of Missouri Writers Guild, Saturday Writers, and Coffee and Critique. Her work also appears in Folly Beach Dances. Her blog is Critter Alley.com. 

Thanks, Donna, for inviting me to participate in the blog chain.

Write soon,

Mary

Nielsen interview, Part 2

As promised, here's the second half of the interview with Sheree Nielsen.

 

5) What would you like to accomplish as a writer? (or, what is your dream project?)
Of course, I’d like to be a New York Times bestselling author.  Who wouldn’t?  But more importantly, I’d like to leave a legacy behind for friends and family, who I often write about. 

I suppose my dream project is the ultimate coffee table book, pairing stunning photography with my essays and poems.

My book “Temperate Travels of the Soul – One Woman’s Journey through Life” weaves universality through travel, nature and family.  A collection of twenty-four essay and six poems, it’s complemented by a lyrical introductory photo taken by me.  My goal is to show how we’re all connected to each other.

A second book, “Beach Dances” highlights beach photography from our favorite coastal town, Folly Beach, South Carolina.  (I won’t give away the premise of this book just yet.)  Hubby and I collaborated on this project.

I am seeking representation for both. 

6) I know you have several projects in the works. What can we look forward
to reading next from you?
An upcoming Missouri Life article due out this June showcases an inspiring woman.  Another story due out this fall is an architectural tribute to a historical home in Missouri. Well-Versed Literary Works has accepted an essay and two of my poems for inclusion, with a June publication date. 

Three local authors and I will be hosting a book-signing at Barnes and Noble, St. Peters, on June 1 in conjunction with Not Your Mother’s Book on Travel by Publishing Syndicate. The book’s co-creator, Terri Elders, is flying in for the occasion.

Other than that, I’m slowly editing a beach essay, and working on an idea for a children’s book.

7) Is there anything you'd like to add?
Just keep writing! Don’t get discouraged.  Dad used to say, “Everything in due time.” Four years ago, one of my dreams was to freelance for a travel publication and I’m doing it! (AAA Midwest and AAA Southern Traveler)

Also, I’m pysched about this month. While vacationing in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, I’ll be meeting resident and local author Jacqueline DeGroot.  She’s taking me to the Kindred Spirit Bench near Bird Island. A mailbox at the bench is filled with notebooks, pens and pencils of all who’ve journeyed there and left thoughts in the journals.

http://sunsetnc.com/kindred-spirit-mailbox-repaired/

Thanks, Sheree, and good luck with your projects!

Write soon,

Mary

Author Bio – Sheree K. Nielsen
A Missouri Writer’s Guild and Columbia Chapter of Missouri Writer’s Guild member, she’s served as Membership Chair, Photographer and Publicity Chair for Saturday Writers.  Publications include: Not Your Mother’s Book on Travel, AAA Southern Traveler, AAA Midwest Traveler, Winghaven Life, The Abaconian, The Eleutheran, Missouri Life, AOL/Patch.com, Whispering Angel Books Nurturing Paws Anthology, Storyteller, C.H.A.M.P. Assistance Dogs, Cuivre River Anthology IV and V, Folly Current, St. Charles and Monroe County Suburban Journals, among others.

Author interview with Sheree Nielsen

Here’s part one of an interview with Sheree Nielsen, freelance writer and blogger. She’s written for several publications, and frequently can be seen riding around town with her Doggle-wearing Australian shepherd, Sabrina!

1)      When did you become a writer, and what do you write?

      I suppose I had the desire to become a writer as early as nine or ten years old.              Back then, I wrote poetry.  I stopped writing for awhile, but picked up the pen again about eleven years ago after a life-changing event.

Some of my freelance contracts include architectural tributes, travel stories, food reviews, fun things to do in the area, historical and sporting events, inspiring people, and even a series of articles on local gardeners and their gardens.  I am constantly challenged by my assignments.

Just for me, I write inspirational essays and poems about scuba diving, beach adventures, amazing animals, my family and church.

2)      Your company, Ocean Spirit Photography, http://www.oceanspiritphoto.com features beautiful images you have taken in your travels. How does being a photographer help your writing?

I think the two go hand-in-hand.  I can’t imagine doing one without the other.

What color was the sand before sunset?  What did the seagull’s wings look like before landing?  How did the dolphin’s body feel as I skimmed my hand across its side? Pictures tell a story and the images re-create colorful details. 

Last fall I taught a workshop to veterans with PTSD at Jefferson Barracks VA Hospital that touched on the importance of photography in writing.  In one of the exercises, I used a picture to prompt the veteran’s creativity.  At the end of the afternoon, they walked away with an essay or a poem they could polish in their own time.
http://warriorsartsalliance.com/187-2/

3) Your spirituality is evident, is that the source of your creativity?

Yes, my spirituality plays a part in my writing.  Something deep within me changed creatively when I put my faith in God’s hands.  This may sound cliché, but I feel that everything happens for a reason. There are no coincidences in life.  Instead, I say, “It’s a God Thing.”  We’re all connected to each other in this world, and it’s our job to pay it forward. 

Everything seems fresh in the world around me. The ocean, birds, trees, our pets, friends and family are the source, as well as the fuel, of my creativity.  An admitted treehugger, nature’s splendor cast a spell on me. I’m mesmerized by dragonflies, and even take crickets and spiders outside if they get in the house. 

4) Who is your favorite writer and why?

Boy, that’s a hard question.  I suppose I have more than one.  Looking at my bookshelf of favorite reads in my guest room, a few authors come to mind.  In fiction, I suppose I love it when a character is vulnerable and complex.  In non-fiction, a writer’s inspirational quality, honesty and openness come to mind.

Harper Lee, for her portrayal of life and racism in the South in “To Kill a Mockingbird.”  Scout is one of my favorite characters of all time.

Garth Stein.  His novel told from the viewpoint of the dog in “The Art of Racing the Rain” is one of my top five reads.  I ran through so many emotions while reading this book – laughter, sadness, surprise, joy, and more.

And I’m a sucker for beach reads.  I love Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s honesty and openness in her memoir “A Gift from the Sea” and the magnetic pull the beach and the ocean played in her life.  Also, author Karen White has a way of linking the past with present in her “beachy” romance/mysteries.

Stay tuned! Part two will be posted by Thursday.

Write soon,

Mary

Author Bio – Sheree K. Nielsen

A Missouri Writer’s Guild and Columbia Chapter of Missouri Writer’s Guild member, she’s served as Membership Chair, Photographer and Publicity Chair for Saturday Writers.  Publications include: Not Your Mother’s Book on Travel, AAA Southern Traveler, AAA Midwest Traveler, Winghaven Life, The Abaconian, The Eleutheran, Missouri Life, AOL/Patch.com, Whispering Angel Books Nurturing Paws Anthology, Storyteller, C.H.A.M.P. Assistance Dogs, Cuivre River Anthology IV and V, Folly Current, St. Charles and Monroe County Suburban Journals, among others.

Interview

Here's a link to my interview on Sheree Nielsen's blog!

Thanks, Sheree!

http://shereenielsen.wordpress.com/

Write soon,
Mary